Humane AI, a company that produced wearable AI pins, has announced that they will be discontinuing the sale of these pins after being acquired by HP Inc. The AI pin, described as similar to an AI-powered Star Trek communicator, will cease functioning on February 28, 2025, when it will no longer connect to Humane’s servers. Users are encouraged to download any stored data such as pictures, videos, and notes before this date, as all remaining consumer data will be deleted. The pin featured various AI capabilities such as making calls, messaging, and providing AI queries and responses, but these features will no longer be accessible after the server connection is terminated.
CNET writer Scott Stein reviewed the Humane AI pin in April 2024 and found that while the device had interesting features such as language translation and camera quality, it was difficult to use and lacked phone connectivity. Stein noted that the device required constant tapping to activate, did not respond well to voice commands, and had issues with accuracy in identifying objects. For example, when asked to identify a can of sparkling water, the device instead provided information about a movie, possibly due to mishearing the user’s request. The AI pin will no longer be able to perform functions such as reading out loud, identifying objects, or describing a room once the server connection is terminated on February 28, 2025.
Humane AI advises users to sync their AI pins over Wi-Fi and download any stored data as soon as possible to prevent loss of information. The company’s acquisition by HP Inc. has led to the decision to discontinue the production and sale of the wearable AI pins. While the pins were initially marketed as cutting-edge technology that could revolutionize communication and AI interactions, their impracticality, difficulty in use, and limited functionality led to underwhelming reviews from users and critics alike. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the device, its lack of integration with smartphones and other technologies contributed to its downfall and eventual discontinuation.
The accelerated timeline for discontinuation of the AI pins may come as a shock to owners, who are urged to take action to preserve their data before it is permanently deleted. The AI pin’s features, such as AI queries, responses, calling, messaging, and cloud access, will be disabled after February 28, 2025. Users will no longer be able to utilize the pin for everyday tasks, such as locating objects or translating languages, after the server connection is terminated. The wearable AI pin, once hailed as a breakthrough innovation in wearable technology, will soon become obsolete as Humane AI shifts its focus under HP Inc.’s ownership.
Despite the potential advancements in AI and wearable technology, the Humane AI pins failed to meet consumer expectations and faced criticism for their lack of practicality and usability. With limited functions and a cumbersome user experience, the AI pins struggled to gain widespread acceptance and popularity among consumers. The decision to discontinue the AI pins reflects the challenges faced by technology companies in creating products that resonate with consumers and deliver consistent value. As the wearable AI pin fades into obscurity, it serves as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of innovative technology that fails to meet the demands and expectations of users in the fast-paced world of consumer electronics.
